The Best Tequila & Mezcal Bars in San Francisco

With fresh produce, rooftop bars and talented bartenders, there might be no better place to drink tequila than San Francisco. Sure, Margaritas and shots are a common way to get familiar with tequila and its cousin, mezcal. But the City by the Bay is famously creative and proves the adage with its inspired agave cocktails. From the bustling streets of the Mission to ocean-adjacent Richmond, these seven bars are at the forefront of pouring—and shaking and stirring—agave-based spirits.

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1.
Comal

Alright, we know this bar isn’t within the seven-by-seven miles of San Francisco but when one of the best tequila bars…

Alright, we know this bar isn’t within the seven-by-seven miles of San Francisco but when one of the best tequila bars is just a train ride away, it deserves a mention. Take a quick trip to Berkeley, and Comal will satisfy all your agave cravings. With a large list of tequilas and mezcals available for one-ounce pours (all served with Sangrita), choose-your-own-spirit cocktails and flights on menu, you may never drink tequila in San Francisco again.

THE DRINK TO DRINK:
Hands down, the Palomaesque is the way to go. A play on the classic Paloma, this mezcal twist adds Cocchi Americano, honey and a grapefruit wheel for garnish.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
If you’re curious about tequila, nab a seat at the bar—if you can. The bartenders are very knowledgable about all of the spirits they serve. If that plan falters, try to find a seat near the fire pit on the back patio.

2.
Tropisueño

For anyone in-the-know, heading to downtown San Francisco for drinks is a nightmare. But Tropisueños Margaritas are enough to make anyone…

For anyone in-the-know, heading to downtown San Francisco for drinks is a nightmare. But Tropisueños Margaritas are enough to make anyone consider a night in no man’s land. Nuzzled between the city’s largest shopping centers and across the street from museums, expect this place to be packed with tourists and shoppers—but don’t let that deter you. Tropisueño functions as a taco bar by day and serves other flavorful Mexican dishes by night. The Margaritas made with chile salt, however, are served all day long.

THE DRINK TO DRINK:
Though the Margaritas are killer, venture deeper with the Duende, which adds a little absinthe to the classic drink.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
It’s a popular spot, so make your reservation a day in advance and come thirsty.

3.
Tres Tequila Lounge & Mexican Kitchen

If you ever need a tequila fix before a Giants game, Tres is the place. With a menu consisting of 10…

If you ever need a tequila fix before a Giants game, Tres is the place. With a menu consisting of 10 different variations of margaritas, eight different tequila flights and a list of original cocktails to boot, this bar knows its agave spirits and they want you too as well—they even host Margarita-making classes. How’s that for a home run?

THE DRINK TO DRINK:
Tequila may be the name of Tres’ game but the mezcal-based Okey Dokey Smokey is a treasure to behold. Grapefruit bitters, sugar, water cinnamon-dusted orange? It’s the agave Old Fashioned you never knew you needed.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
With its proximity to AT&T Ballpark, this is a hotspot both before and after baseball games. Do yourself a favor and make a reservation if you can—or go when there’s no game.